Having a criminal record can have a significant impact on your ability to find employment and housing. In Australia, employers and landlords are legally allowed to consider criminal records when hiring and renting. This can make it difficult for people with criminal records to rebuild their lives and contribute to society. Criminal lawyers can help people with criminal records overcome these challenges.
The Impact on Employment
A study by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that people with criminal records are less likely to be employed than people without criminal records. The study also found that people with criminal records are more likely to be unemployed for extended periods.
There are several reasons why people with criminal records are less likely to be employed. Employers may be concerned about the risk of hiring someone with a criminal history. They may also worry that the person will be a liability to the company.
In addition, people with criminal records may have difficulty getting the necessary training or education to qualify for jobs. They may also have difficulty getting past the initial screening process, as many employers use criminal background checks as part of their hiring process.
The Impact on Housing
People with criminal records can also face challenges when finding housing. Many landlords use criminal background checks as part of their screening process. This means that people with criminal records may be denied housing, even if they have the financial means to pay rent.
A study by the National Alliance to End Homelessness found that people with criminal records are likelier to be homeless than those without criminal records. The study also found that people with criminal records are more likely to stay homeless for extended periods.
How to Overcome the Challenges
There are several things that people with criminal records can do to overcome the challenges of finding employment and housing. These include:
- Getting help from a criminal lawyer: A criminal lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. They can also help you fight discrimination based on your criminal record.
- Getting the necessary training or education: Many programs are available to help people with criminal records get the training or education they need to qualify for jobs.
- Building a strong resume: Your resume should highlight your skills and experience and be free of any references to your criminal record.
- Networking: Networking with people who can help you find employment can be a valuable way to overcome the challenges of having a criminal record.
- Being upfront about your criminal record: It is important to be upfront about your criminal record with potential employers and landlords. This will help to avoid any surprises down the road.
The Fairness of Criminal Record Checks
There is debate about the fairness of criminal record checks in employment and housing decisions. Some people argue that it is unfair to discriminate against people based on their past mistakes. Others argue that it is important to protect the public from potential harm.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has stated that employers and landlords should not discriminate against people with criminal records unless the criminal record is directly relevant to the job or the housing. For example, an employer may be justified in refusing to hire someone with a history of violence for a job that involves working with children. However, an employer would not be justified in refusing to hire someone with a history of drug possession for a job that does not involve handling money.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders
The criminal justice system is supposed to rehabilitate offenders, not punish them indefinitely. When people with criminal records are denied employment and housing, it is more difficult to reintegrate into society and live crime-free lives. This can lead to recidivism, as people who cannot find jobs or housing may be more likely to turn to crime.
Several things can be done to help people with criminal records overcome the challenges of rehabilitation. These include providing job training and education, helping them find housing, and supporting services such as counselling and drug treatment.
The Role of Criminal Lawyers
Criminal lawyers can play an important role in helping people with criminal records overcome employment and housing challenges. They can help people understand their rights and options, and they can fight discrimination based on their criminal record. Criminal lawyers can also help people get the necessary training or education, build a strong resume, and network with people who can help them find employment.
Conclusion
Having a criminal record can make it difficult to find employment and housing. However, there are several things that people with criminal records can do to overcome these challenges. Hard work and determination make it possible to rebuild your life and achieve your goals, even with a criminal record.